UNITAR and UNDP have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on a number of areas including executive training on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to strengthen the capacity of decision-makers in Least Developed Countries.

On the occasion of Shanghai Expo and hosted in the UN Pavilion on 20th September, UNITAR organizes a Public Conference on the MDGs where about 400 people are expected, mostly a Chinese audience. The Conference takes place on the opening day of the UN Summit MDGs + 10 at the Headquarters in New York.

The Public Conference is an example of close cooperation between UNITAR and UNDP, in particular its China Office. Ms. Helen Clark, Chair of the United Nations Development Groupand UNDP Administrator has delivered a video message on this occasion to recall the importance of meeting the Goals, building on existing successes and overcoming obstacles and gaps that have been identified per region/country. A Socio-economic Development Senior Expert from UNDP China will specifically report on progress made in China and outline strategies devised to meet the 2015 deadline in the fast-growing economy.

Both UNITAR’s Executive Director, Dr. Carlos Lopes, and UNITAR’s Associate Director for Governance, Dr. Marielza Oliveira contribute insights during the Public Conference, calling for continued efforts to strengthen developing countries’ capacity to formulate MDG acceleration policies and innovative partnerships to reach the Goals.